KWAZULU-NATAL

uKHAHLAMBA/DRAKENSBERGuKHAHLAMBA/DRAKENSBERGrakensberg: The soul of the ZuluDKingdom. The Zulu people named itthe ‘Barrier of Spears’ and the DutchVoortrekkers ‘The Dragon Mountain’. TheDrakensberg, with its awe-inspiring basaltcliffs, snowcapped in winter, towers overriverine bush, lush yellowwood forests andcascading waterfalls, forms a massive barrierseparating KwaZulu-Natal from theKingdom of Lesotho - the only accessbeing via Sani Pass, which at the top,boasts the highest pub in Africa, 3 000metres above sea level. Combining sheernatural beauty with a wealth of biologicaldiversity, this 243 000 hectare mountainousregion known as the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park has been preserved andvenerated for eons since the San bushmenroamed these slopes. Tens of thousands ofpaintings, depicting their daily life, can befound on the rock face, and in December2000, the park received internationalrecognition and was declared a WorldHeritage Site. And of course, there are themountains, which must be conquered. Thefearless may choose to try sheer rock or iceclimbing- or you may prefer the adrenalinerush provided by abseiling, whitewater rafting or taking a helicopter ride toview the mountains from above. If you preferthe gentler and more leisurely pace ofwalking the many well-marked hikingroutes on both lower and upper slopes,you can watch out for the 290 species ofbirds, 48 species of mammals, or the rarevarieties of plantlife found in the park.uKHAHLAMBA/DRAKENSBERG★★★ GIANT’S CASTLE - CENTRAL DRAKENSBERGThe historic Giant’s Castle Game Reserve is situated in the scenic valley of the CentraluKhahlamba Drakensberg. 220km from Durban International Airport. Giant’s Castle, a WorldHeritage Site, surrounded by nature reserve, is a haven for hikers and mountain climbers. Withinan easy 30-minute walk from the camp, at the Main Caves Museum, is one of the best preservedsites of prehistoric San rock art in Southern Africa. The famous Lammergeyer hide offers excellentviewing of Raptors such as the bearded vulture and black eagle. Guests may try their hand attrout fishing or enjoy a swim in the crystal clear mountain rivers. As dusk falls, guests may enjoya superb meal in the Izimbali Restaurant. Lodge: Guests have a choice of four 6-bedded chalets,four 4-bedded chalets, 36 two-bedded chalets and an executive suite, which is self-catering.★★★ SANDFORD PARK COUNTRY HOTEL - NORTHERN DRAKENSBERGSandford Park’s tranquil atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and recreational facilities encouragecomplete relaxation. From the moment you arrive at this farmstyle country retreat underthatch you will recognise it as a place of peace and tranquility. Built of stone in 1850 as acoach house and used as barracks by the British in the Boer war, one is reminded of a worldthat has slipped by. Set in 100 acres of wooded countryside in the Drakensberg foothills, witha lake and park-like surroundings, what can be more peaceful than just sitting around andwatching the ever changing view of the mountains.★★★ CATHEDRAL PEAK HOTEL - CENTRAL DRAKENSBERGSurrounded by some of the world’s most stunning scenery the hotel enjoys an abundance of game, birds,plants and rock art. These natural treasures, together with Cathedral Peak Hotel’s many sport and recreationalfacilities, lure holiday-makers to this award winning hotel time and time again. Offering a wide variety ofaccommodation options from comfortable en-suite standard rooms to the executive and honeymoon suitesset in secluded gardens. The elegant hotel dining room offers an extensive buffet of superb buffet and culinarycreations at both breakfast and dinner. Outdoor activities include two free guided walks daily, viewing ofbushman paintings, horse-rides, mountain bike and jogging route, tennis, squash, beach volleyball, badmington,floodlit adventure mini golf, 10m climbing tower, heated and cool swimming pool and fly fishing.★★★ ALPINE HEATH RESORT & CONFERENCE VILLAGE -NORTHERN DRAKENSBERGConsidered to be one of Southern Africa’s premier conference and holiday venues, Alpine Heath Resortallows you to relax in the comfort of an exclusive mountain resort. Offering superb chalet accommodation,fine dining, an abundance of indoor and outdoor activities. Alpine Heath invites you to surroundyourself with the splendour of crystal-clear streams and mountain-fresh air. Each of the 100 luxuriouschalets is equipped with a telephone, cellular reception and satellite TV, and offers all the privacy youcould ask for. The three-bedroom chalets comfortably sleep six in a master bedroom, which is en-suite,and two double rooms each fitted with twin beds. The second bathroom also has the convenience ofboth a bath and shower. Self-catering accommodation is also available.★★★★ MONTUSI MOUNTAIN LODGE - NORTHERN DRAKENSBERGSituated in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, halfway between Johannesburg and Durban,Montusi is the only exclusive lodge which has full and uninterrupted views of the mostfamous part of the Drakensberg, the Amphitheatre escarpment. Guests enjoy this spectacularscenery in the comfort of their private individual garden suites. Montusi consists of a largeand beautifully thatched main building (with reception, restaurant, and terrace, bar, loungeand meeting room) and 14 spacious, tastefully decorated, individual garden suites. Activitiesincluding hiking, horse riding, trout fishing, swimming, tennis, trapezing, golf nearby andtours to the surrounding tribal areas, all still authentic.★★★★ DRAKENSBERG SUN - CENTRAL DRAKENSBERGDrakensberg Sun specialises in extensive personal service, giving guests their most tranquiland memorable stay. The resort is located high in the central Drakensberg Mountains, in adramatic landscape, considered as one of the most striking country resorts in South Africa.Drakensberg Sun has a proven track record for hosting seminars, conferences, banquets andintimate special occasion functions and offers a wide range of activities from boating, sundownercruises on the lake, pitch & putt, tennis, squash, volleyball, as well as spectacularmountain hikes, guided hikes and mountain biking. The excellent Champagne Sports GolfCourse is nearby and the Drakensberg Sun has 2 outdoor swimming pools.★★★ CAVERN DRAKENSBERG RESORT - NORTHERN DRAKENSBERGHigh in the foothills of the Northern Drakensberg, surrounded by towering mountains, forestsand streams, is this unique resort. At The Cavern we appreciate that it is people that makemake your holiday - people with whom to laugh, share a drink, and participate in all the manyfun activities. Experience the activities the resort has to offer with guided hikes, horse ridingthrough the stunning surroundings, fishing, swimming in mountain rivers, biking, tennis andvolleyball and more. The resort’s restaurant has a lovely spread for breakfast, lunch anddinner. Superior, honeymoon and standard accommodation options are all en-suite.The three main meals for the day, teas, guided hikes and activites are all included in the rates.★★★ DRAKENSBERG GARDENS GOLF & LEISURE RESORT -SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERGSituated in the midst of the magnificent Southern Drakensberg and conveniently located ona scenic 860 acre estate. The resort offers spacious en-suite accommodation, which includesa TV, telephone, heater and tea/coffee making facilities. A variety of dining and entertainmentoptions are available. Guests can enjoy a game of golf on the 18-hole golf course, as well asa myriad of other sports and recreation activities for the whole family. As the resort bordersKZN Wildlife land, this allows access to spectacular walks and hikes - the most strenuousbeing a nine-hour hike up the Rhino Horn, 3000 metres above sea level.★★★ DIDIMA CAMP - CENTRAL DRAKENSBERGThemed around the art of the San people, Didima Camp offers superb facilities for groups and families.There is a San Art Interpretive Centre, providing fascinating insight into the culture of the San people.State-of-the-art conference facilities which double as a wedding venue and has a full height glass wallframing the splendor of Cathedral Peak, as well as a swimming pool, tennis court, an up market restaurantand bar with intimate lounge. 62 two-bedded luxury chalets, two 4-bedded cabins, a six-beddedbungalow and a honeymoon suite make up this super mountain retreat. The 4 and 6-bedded cabinshave two bedrooms each en-suite, a lounge/dining area and kitchen. All accommodation at Didimaboasts satellite TV and cosy fireplaces.SPECTACULAR SANI PASSThe Sani Pass is a spectacular mountain road that is a well-known entry point into Lesotho fromSouth Africa’s uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park. It is the gateway to the ‘Roof of Africa’ scenicroute that links the spectacular scenery of the Drakensberg with the Maluti mountains of northernLesotho. The Sani Pass is the only border post between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho. A 4X4vehicle is necessary for this road especially if the weather is bad. Have lunch at the top of theSani pass at the highest pub in Southern Africa. Valid passports are essential.ACTIVITY10 KWAZULU-NATAL 2006 TRUSTED FOR 28 YEARS AND GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIMELOG ONTO THE ZULU KINGDOM AT www.zulu.org.za KWAZULU-NATAL 2006 11